The Alliance will coordinate and drive law firm pro bono resources on behalf of victims to assist and support them in obtaining legal remedies. This can include providing victims with counsel to bring lawsuits to seek compensatory and other civil remedies or working with law enforcement to ensure that perpetrators are held accountable, where appropriate. The Alliance will also identify additional resources, when relevant, that will help victims navigate this challenging time, including specialized legal services, social services, and other community support.
In a statement issued by the Alliance, Don H. Liu, Founding Advisory Board Member of the Alliance, and Executive Vice President and Chief Legal & Risk Officer of Target Corporation commented, “The Alliance will allow the hundreds of prominent and accomplished lawyers of Asian descent in law firms and corporations (many of whom are former federal and state prosecutors) to leverage their expertise to advocate for and ensure justice on behalf of victims. Our non-Asian allies are likewise committed to joining us in this important work. We are eager to take action and look forward to many others joining in this fight.”
“This has been a painful time for the Asian American and Pacific Islander community nationwide, a time during which hateful rhetoric has been compounded with senseless violence,” said Ernie Ocampo, partner chair of Reed Smith’s Asian American Business Inclusion Group. “While anti-Asian discrimination is not a new phenomenon, the increase in violence towards members of the AAPI community requires everyone, including leaders in business and the law, to use our collective resources to combat it. Reed Smith is proud to be a member of the Alliance and is committed to doing its part to stand up for and support victims.”
Last year, in response to anti-Asian racism fomented during the outset of COVID-19 pandemic, Reed Smith became a signatory to a joint statement from the Asian American Business Development Center condemning anti-Asian discrimination. The statement also served as a call for action for corporations, their managers and employees can engage in to demonstrate support to their Asian American colleagues, partners, customers and the community during the pandemic.